[Ryknow215]

Hi everybody. I'm in the process of buying a G3 Powerbook for grad school but I don't really know anything about Macs. However I wanted to try a Powebook out and see how I like it. I've got some painful questions from a true newbie, so maybe someone will be kind enough to provide a beginner with some help

For starters, what exactly is Airport? I understand that it's for wireless internet, but is it the Mac equivalent of a Centrino chip or is Airport just a word for the whole wireless network?

If the G3 Powerbook has "wireless connectivity", does that mean when I turn it on it will recognize that there is a wireless-B LAN in my apartment and allow me to connect to it?

Am going to have to get any additional hardware in order to get online?

Any other suggestions/advice for someone just starting out?

Thanks in advance for any responses to my questions, it's much appreciated .

-Ryan

[fisherKing]

airport is just apple's name for wireless...
if you have an airport card in your mac, you can get onto a wireless network.


but first...
which G3? details, ie processor speed, ram, which os??

[Ryknow215]

OS: OS 10.3.8
RAM: 512 MB
CPU: 500 MHz
8MB Rage Mobility 128
40GB HDD

So then Airport isn't something built into the Mac, I have to get an Airport card to plug into it?

[fisherKing]

you've got a pismo (500mhz G3).
check under the apple menu, in about this mac, go to "more info";
see if you already have an airport card (or ask the seller!)
otherwise, you can find them online, about $100, and easy to install (goes under the keyboard).

worthwhile.

many macusers swear by that mac, a very popular powerbook.

get online, run software update (also under the apple menu) and get the PB up-to-date (last version of panther, 10.3.9, etc)

enjoy it!

and explore these forums, tons of useful info, tips, apps, etc...

[amazing]

The pismo has a great screen, just curious why you're considering it vs a 12" iBook, which would be faster and have much better wirless range?

Because Apple just introduced a new 12" iBook model, you're going to start finding all sorts of deals on the previous generation. Amazon.com has it for $800 after rebate, but you'll probably find a better deal than that in the next month or so. Also, since you're going to grad school, why aren't you looking at edu prices from you school? They may have some especially sweet deals on previous generation apple laptops, and you'd qualify for the free ipod mini at the same time. Quite a few students are getting that deal and then selling off the ipod to reap some pretty good savings.

[tooki]

The Pismo has the same wireless range as any iBook.

tooki

[ccsccs7]

My mom has a Pismo and she's very satisfied with it.

Like has been said, "AirPort" is Apple's name for "wireless" as in Airport (wireless) capability, Airport (wireless) network, etc. If your network is displayed (SSID is broadcast), the Powerbook will pick it up, if not, you'll have to give it the info to find it (SSID, passphrase -code).

There are a few books out there for newbies (and advanced alike). There's a lot of cool stuff you can do and use and it's really nice to get to know. Or, keep doing what you're doing now, asking questions and reading

[Ryknow215]

I'm considering the Pismo mainly because the price is right. I found a used one on Ebay that is still fully functional for only $350. I figured that would probably be the best way to start, considering I only really need it for word processing and internet while on campus.

Although I haven't looked into any Macs at the university Co-Op, I've dealt with them before with some hardware and their prices aren't that good. It seems like for $350 i can get a lot for the money while saving a bunch. I'm sure I will fall in love with it and upgrade to an iBook once I graduate and have some more money to play with

-Ryan